sedimentary

Iron-rich breccia or weathered ironstone

Hematite–goethite-bearing ferruginous rock; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown-red, earthy to submetallic luster with irregular granular texture; likely hardness about 5–6.5 Mohs and high specific gravity if hematite-rich. No clear crystal habit or cleavage is visible.

Identified September 1, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Iron-rich breccia or weathered ironstone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Brown-red, earthy to submetallic luster with irregular granular texture; likely hardness about 5–6.5 Mohs and high specific gravity if hematite-rich. No clear crystal habit or cleavage is visible.

Formation & geological history

Forms through oxidation and cementation of iron-bearing sediments or weathering of iron-rich parent rock, commonly in ancient terrestrial weathering profiles and banded iron formations. The specimen’s geological age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as iron ore when sufficiently concentrated and historically as a pigment; mainly a low-value teaching or mineral-collecting specimen in this form.

Geological facts

The red-brown coloration is typically caused by hematite and hydrated iron oxides such as goethite, rather than copper minerals. A reddish-brown streak and attraction to a strong magnet can help assess composition.

Field identification & locations

Common in iron-rich soils, laterites, ironstone beds, and oxidized ore zones worldwide, including Australia, Brazil, India, and the Lake Superior region. Confirm with streak, magnetism, hardness, and specific-gravity tests.